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Tuesday, February 11, 2025
SportsValerien Ismael appointed as Watford headcoach

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Valerien Ismael appointed as Watford headcoach

Valerien Ismael has been named the new head coach of Watford.

Chris Wilder, who left Vicarage Road at the conclusion of his short-term contract, is replaced by Ismael, a former manager of West Brom and Barnsley.

Ismael is the 19th full-time hire made by the Pozzo family in the previous 11 years, though Watford has not announced the length of his contract.

Watford technical director Ben Manga told the club’s official website: “Being able to appoint a new coach so soon in May means we can prepare very well together for next season.

“To be able to welcome someone of Valerien’s experience to Watford is good news for our club. We are all looking forward to working with him.”

The Pozzo family still controls Watford, which has a remarkable history of changing managers frequently. Wilder was only hired in March after Slaven Bilic was fired.

In recent weeks, there had been much speculation over the future of the former manager of Sheffield United, Wilder, and on Wednesday night, that departure was made official.

A club statement said: “The Hornets would like to place on record their thanks to Chris Wilder and his staff, whose short-term contracts have come to an end.

“His 11-game spell began in March and finished after the season’s final-day win at home to Stoke. 

“We wish Chris, Alan Knill, Matt Prestridge and Mike Allen all the very best for their next opportunity in football.”

Ismael arrives at Vicarage Road after a spell in Turkey in charge of Besiktas.

After numerous managerial stints in Germany, most notably with Wolfsburg, the Frenchman enjoyed success at Barnsley in 2021 after he guided them into the Championship play-offs against the odds.

It earned the 47-year-old a move to West Brom but he was sacked after only seven months and will now aim to help Watford pursue a return to the Premier League.

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